Misconceptions within neoclassical economics and their possible causes
by Tunç Ali Kütükçüoğlu
International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education (IJPEE), Vol. 12, No. 2, 2021

Abstract: In his influential book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Kuhn (2012 [1962]) argued that a well-established discipline of science (i.e., normal science) rejects many socially important problems as metaphysical or as concerns of another discipline, if these problems do not fit into the conceptual tools of the paradigm. Just as Kuhn argued, neoclassical economics, as an established mainstream theory, rejects theories, sometimes even whole disciplines like anthropology and ecology, if they seriously conflict with its core assumptions and beliefs. This paper summarises misconceptions within neoclassical economics and their causes such as ideological barriers (preventing a better, holistic, multidisciplinary understanding of economics) and ecological illiteracy. Within the last 20 years, and especially after the financial crash in 2008, critical-minded student and academic associations have criticised mainstream economics education, with suggestions like 'three-fold pluralism' as a general framework for improved education (e.g., Open Letter at http://www.isipe.net). Nevertheless, understanding these ideological and institutional barriers and their possible causes is essential to designing the specific content of a better economics education and to help us build sustainable communities.

Online publication date: Fri, 07-Jan-2022

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education (IJPEE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com